Teotihuacan Volcanic Stone Brazier of Huehueteotl Face
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A wonderful and striking carved volcanic stone brazier with the visage of Huehueteotl, the Teotihuacan "Old God of Fire." Recessed eyes, and a protruding, flared nose detail the upper half of the face, while the wrinkled cheeks and an opened, gap-toothed mouth provide for a fierce expression. The deep semi-circular facial wrinkles denote the deity's advanced age, hence the "old god" denotation. The head is flanked by massive earspools, and the flat top slightly overhangs the face. The igneous stone is a fitting material for this fire god, and the porous surface retains traces of red pigments indicating this impressive piece was once brightly painted. Size: 9.5" W x 6" H (24.1 cm x 15.2 cm)
Though primarily attributed as a creation of the Teotihuacan peoples, the story of Huehueteotl predates this and most other Pre-Columbian cultures from ancient Central Mexico. The origins of Huehueteotl might be unknown, but the finely executed elegance of this stone example is quite evident! The use of these fascinating stone objects is not fully understood, but they seem to have been personal braziers used for burning ritual incense or hot coals. At one time there was a receptacle bowl for holding the burning material on the top of this example as the headdress. For a similar example of a more complete form please see the Saint Louis Art Museum object number: 206:1979.
Please note the Sotheby's New York May 14th 2010 Auction N08638, lot 47, for another similar example with the hammer price $17,500.
Provenance: private Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-Dr. Lester Knorr and Dr. Jeanne Boardman Knorr collection, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, acquired in Mexico City around 1963 and 1964 and imported to the USA by 1965
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#159596
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Active chipping and flaking of peripheries. Chips and abrasions to earspools. Losses to top of head. Facial features are well preserved. Light mineral deposits.
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Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A wonderful and striking carved volcanic stone brazier with the visage of Huehueteotl, the Teotihuacan "Old God of Fire." Recessed eyes, and a protruding, flared nose detail the upper half of the face, while the wrinkled cheeks and an opened, gap-toothed mouth provide for a fierce expression. The deep semi-circular facial wrinkles denote the deity's advanced age, hence the "old god" denotation. The head is flanked by massive earspools, and the flat top slightly overhangs the face. The igneous stone is a fitting material for this fire god, and the porous surface retains traces of red pigments indicating this impressive piece was once brightly painted. Size: 9.5" W x 6" H (24.1 cm x 15.2 cm)
Though primarily attributed as a creation of the Teotihuacan peoples, the story of Huehueteotl predates this and most other Pre-Columbian cultures from ancient Central Mexico. The origins of Huehueteotl might be unknown, but the finely executed elegance of this stone example is quite evident! The use of these fascinating stone objects is not fully understood, but they seem to have been personal braziers used for burning ritual incense or hot coals. At one time there was a receptacle bowl for holding the burning material on the top of this example as the headdress. For a similar example of a more complete form please see the Saint Louis Art Museum object number: 206:1979.
Please note the Sotheby's New York May 14th 2010 Auction N08638, lot 47, for another similar example with the hammer price $17,500.
Provenance: private Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-Dr. Lester Knorr and Dr. Jeanne Boardman Knorr collection, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, acquired in Mexico City around 1963 and 1964 and imported to the USA by 1965
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#159596
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Active chipping and flaking of peripheries. Chips and abrasions to earspools. Losses to top of head. Facial features are well preserved. Light mineral deposits.
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